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Family Law

Family Law Lawyers with locations in Fayetteville & Little Rock, AR.

Family is important. For most people, family is why they work, what they are passionate about, and the absolute number one priority. All too often, however, family can be very fragile. Falling out of love, new relationships, disagreements over where to go to school and church, finances, politics, etc. all play a role in exposing that fragility. And then times can be tough. But being in a tough spot, feeling emotionally drained, and maybe even helpless is never a reason to forget that top priority.

At ARlaw, our team’s extensive experience in all areas of family law and our desire to reach an amicable and appropriate result for your case put us in the best position to help accomplish your goals, reduce your stress, and put your next foot forward on the way to ensuring all is well in your family.

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FAMILY LAW AREAS

Divorce

Divorce is the type of situation most people think of when considering a lawyer’s role in “family issues.” Since a marriage combines the pasts, presents, and futures of two separate people, divorce can become overwhelmingly complicated for the individuals going through it. We guide those individuals through the divorce process and take the pressure off, dealing with the stress of finances and even child custody, so that they may move forward with their lives after the dissolution of a marriage.

Paternity

Paternity is an area of family law where a child is born to an unwed couple. The mother of the child may wish to establish the legal relationship between the child and father so that they may form their own bond or simply for assistance in the financial support of that child. Similarly, a father of a child might seek to establish legal rights in an effort to protect, obtain, and maintain that parent-child relationship.

Child Support

Paternity is an area of family law where a child is born to an unwed couple. The mother of the child may wish to establish the legal relationship between the child and father so that they may form their own bond or simply for assistance in the financial support of that child. Similarly, a father of a child might seek to establish legal rights in an effort to protect, obtain, and maintain that parent-child relationship.

Modification of Custody or Visitation

Custody and visitation arrangements can be modified if you can show that a change in circumstances have occurred since your last order, i.e. one parent has moved, remarried or is alienating the child(ren) from the other parent. The Court will hear evidence and determine what is in the best interest of the child(ren), and will usually attempt to create an arrangement that encourages a relationship with both parents. One type of custody arrangement is where the Court names one parent the custodial parent, who has the decision-making power for anything involving the child(ren), and the other parent has visitation rights to the children. Another type of custody is joint custody, where both parents have decision-making authority for the child(ren) and usually have equal time with the child(ren).

Adoptions

Adoption is the legal process of creating a legally recognized, life-long relationship between the adoptive parents and the person to be adopted. Adoption is admirable and can completely change the trajectory of a child’s life. There are several different types of adoptions. A step-parent adoption is filed when a step-parent wishes to legally adopt his or her step-child. A person or persons can also adopt a child from foster care or from DHS custody, after the biological parents’ rights have been voluntarily or involuntarily relinquished.

Guardianships

Adoption is the legal process of creating a legally recognized, life-long relationship between the adoptive parents and the person to be adopted. Adoption is admirable and can completely change the trajectory of a child’s life. There are several different types of adoptions. A step-parent adoption is filed when a step-parent wishes to legally adopt his or her step-child. A person or persons can also adopt a child from foster care or from DHS custody, after the biological parents’ rights have been voluntarily or involuntarily relinquished.

DHS

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You Are Our Top Priority

Our team firmly believes in building genuine relationships with our clients. We empathize with each situation, as we have been in the shoes of our clients before too. We know how to treat every person’s situation with the kindness and support that we would want to receive. We are not afraid to maintain a firm stance by your side. Our team is guided by our core values of honesty, compassion, and transparency. With our dedication to compassion and dignity, our goal is to help our clients move into the next chapter of their lives, because a better future is waiting.

Serving Arkansas Residents

We’ve helped over 10,000 families across Arkansas find a financial fresh start.

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Your Arkansas
Law Firm

ARlaw Partners has two convenient offices in Little Rock & Fayetteville, Arkansas.

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Get Help with Family Law Today

Contact ARlaw Partners for all of your family law needs.

Common Family Law Issues & Solutions

We understand state-specific regulations and how they will apply to your situation. While regulations may be the same, we understand that every case and family is unique. Our family attorneys provide solutions that are tailored to your specific situation. We take the time to understand you, your family, and your ultimate goals, and assist you every step of the way.

How long does the divorce process take?

There are several factors that have to be considered to answer this question. If you and your spouse are in agreement with everything, and your spouse decides not to contest any aspect of the divorce, your divorce can be finalized in as little as 30 days after the date you filed. However, most cases are not this simple and can last for months and months. We are here to help your case proceed in a timely and cost-effective manner.

How is property divided in a divorce?

The Court will generally divide marital property equally (meaning ½ to each spouse) unless that division would not be equitable. Marital property includes anything that was acquired during the marriage, including any houses, vehicles, retirement accounts or any other property that the parties obtained while married.

How does the court calculate child support?

Arkansas now uses a child support calculation method that takes both parents’ gross monthly incomes into account. The court will then determine each parent’s percentage of the share of the child support amount. A parent who is paying for child care, insurance for the child, and extraordinary medical expenses for the child will receive credit for payment of those expenses.

What is joint custody?

There is case law in Arkansas that says that joint custody should be the preferred custody arrangement, and most judges use this as the starting point in determining custody. There are two parts of joint custody: (1) joint legal custody (equal decision-making power) and (2) joint physical custody (equal time). Joint legal custody refers to both parents having an equal say in all major issues affecting the child, such as educational decisions, medical decisions, etc. Joint physical custody refers to both parents sharing somewhat equal time with the child, and the schedule for this can vary from case-to-case. Most joint custody arrangements involve the parents sharing both joint physical and joint legal custody.

Can I deny the other parent visitation if he/she is not paying child support?

This is never a good idea. The parent who is not paying child support is in contempt of an order of the court. However, this does not give the other parent the right to retaliate by also violating the Court’s orders. The best way to deal with this is by filing a motion for contempt with the Court.

Do grandparents have visitation rights to their grandchildren?

Grandparents do not have automatic visitation rights to their grandchildren, and grandparent visitation is somewhat difficult to obtain. The Court will presume that the parent is denying visitation with the grandparent in the best interest of the child. The grandparent can rebut this presumption with evidence that a loss of relationship with the grandparent will be harmful to the child.

Get Started and Take Action Now

Our attorneys want what is best for you and your family. No matter the situation, we are ready to help your family through it. Call us today to help you with your estate planning needs.

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These client testimonials are actual comments. We strive to represent our clients with prompt, knowledgeable and caring service. We hope to receive similar positive comments from your experience with our law firm.

TESTIMONIALS

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Terry Silva Sr

Our attorney Katie Freeman was very honest, helpful, and very informative about our adoption. She took very good care of us and was always prepared for the next step. I highly recommend this Law Firm for all your family needs. Thank you so much for your help.